I absolutely love this chili recipe! The first time I made it, the rich aroma filled my kitchen and made my whole house feel cozy. After a long day, one pot of this chili gave me big flavor with very little effort.
I couldn’t wait to scoop up that first steaming bowl, loaded with toppings. Trust me — once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious chili. Each ingredient builds deep, rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — helps sauté vegetables and adds richness.
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 280g) — provides natural sweetness and flavor base.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped — adds freshness and mild sweetness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced — enhances savory depth. Use fresh garlic for best taste.
- 1 pound ground beef (450g) — makes the chili hearty and protein-rich. Lean beef works best.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste — adds concentrated tomato flavor.
- 3 tablespoons chili powder — the essential spice for classic chili taste.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin — adds warm, earthy notes.
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano — balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt — enhances all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper — adds heat (adjust as needed).
- ½ teaspoon black pepper — adds mild spice.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes — forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce — creates smooth texture.
- 1 can (16 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained — adds texture and protein.
- 1 can (16 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained — makes chili creamy and filling.
- 2 cups beef broth — helps simmer and develop flavor.
Note: Serves approximately 8 portions.
Variations
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize:
- Vegetarian version — Replace beef with extra beans or plant-based meat.
- Extra spicy — Add jalapeños, extra cayenne, or hot chili powder.
- Smoky flavor — Add smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Slightly sweet — Add a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Lighter option — Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large Dutch oven — Perfect for cooking everything in one pot.
- Wooden spoon — Helps stir and break up meat.
- Measuring cups and spoons — Ensures accurate seasoning.
- Can opener — For opening canned ingredients.
How to Make Chili Recipe?
Sauté the Vegetables
First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and slightly translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the chili.
Brown the Meat
Next, add ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking. Continue until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. This creates rich, savory depth in the dish.
Add Spices and Tomatoes
Lower the heat slightly and stir in tomato paste along with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Let the spices cook for a minute to release their aroma. Then add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Simmer the Chili
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let it cook uncovered for about 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The chili will thicken and the flavors will blend beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some personal tips I’ve learned:
- I always let the chili simmer slowly — patience makes the flavor richer.
- If it becomes too thick, I add a little extra broth.
- I like tasting before serving and adjusting salt at the end.
- Letting it rest overnight improves the flavor even more.
- For extra depth, I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
How to Serve Chili Recipe?
I love serving this chili hot in deep bowls. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side make it even better. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness.
For presentation, add colorful toppings to make it visually appealing and inviting. For a sweet finish after this hearty meal, you can enjoy something like Deep Fried Cookie Dough Recipe.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 376
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 16g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigeration
Store cooled chili in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor often improves after a day.
Freezing
Chili freezes very well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave space at the top for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this chili will become a favorite:
- Easy to prepare — Simple ingredients and one-pot cooking make it beginner-friendly.
- Rich flavor — Spices and slow simmering create deep, comforting taste.
- Highly customizable — Adjust heat, protein, or add-ins to suit your preference.
- Perfect for meal prep — Great leftovers for busy days.
- Crowd-pleasing — Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or game nights.
- If you enjoy comforting homemade dishes, you might also like trying Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe for another satisfying meal idea.